Contents

Appearances

The Adventure of Link

Iron Knuckles, hulking armored knights, first appear in The Adventure of Link as guardians of Palaces, usually defending the Dungeon Item or corridors near the Boss. They are skilled with sword and shield, attacking Link relentlessly. Each variety from Orange to Red to Blue is more adept than the last, more adroitly blocking Link's attacks, countering, and absorbing more damage. Blue Iron Knuckles gain the additional ability to fire sword beams as Link does, requiring each of the knight's flurry of attacks, sometimes up to seven swings in a quick succession, to be blocked or evaded. When attacking, if Link squats, then immediately jumps and swings his sword with precise timing, Link can catch the Iron Knuckle in the head before it can raise its shield in defense.

Ocarina of Time

Iron KnuckleWatch out for its ax attack!It hurts a lot! Strike when itdrops its guard!

These behemoth warriors clad in armor are quite the force to be reckoned with. Their powerful ax can take a good chunk out of Link's life in a single swing. The best method is to lure them to attack, then rush in and get a hit between strikes. Bombs and Bombchus can damage them too, but it's harder for the second part of the fight. Halfway through the battle, they lose a layer of armor and run faster, but it also makes them more vulnerable to Link's sword.

If he can time it well, lure them to attack, jump back, and just as they are finishing their attack, use a Jump Attack to deal lots of damage before they can retaliate. Link can also use the Deku Stick + Jump Attack combo or the Biggoron's Sword to deal with these enemies quickly. If he is having trouble with them, he can use Nayru's Love to become invincible for a short period of time; unfortunately, they still knock Link over when he gets hit, but he will not lose any life this way.

The Iron Knuckle despite being one of the tougher enemies, has diverse methods of defeat. In Ocarina of Time, the bombs can be used to help deal with him and awake him allowing you to keep your distance and throw the bombs towards him. Deku Sticks can also strike him for a good bit of damage. Fairies are suggested for this battle, especially if a newer player dealing with this behemoth for the first time. When the Iron Knuckle strikes you, it strikes hard depleting a few hearts. Just avoid his strikes and use any of the strategies implemented above.

Being Young Link, another way to defeat them is to get right next to one and attack while defending (doesn't work if Z-targeting). When doing this, its horizontal slashes should go right over Link's head; when it swings straight down, just simply take a few steps around it, guard, and keep attacking. Once Link knocks off a piece of its armor and it starts charging at him, just stay where Link is at and keep attacking while defended in its direction (he should hit it right as it goes to attack). The Bunny Hood is recommended, but not necessary.

The Iron Knuckle in Majora's Mask remain equals to the ones in Ocarina of time if not more difficult since you remain a child. The Glided Sword is recommended if you decide to use your sword to slash away at his armor, otherwise throwing bombs is effective or the blast mask. I would even suggest a powder keg if you have one. Watch out for his attacks and a fairy may be a wise investment as usual for a battle with him. I also dare say the shortness of Young Link becomes an advantage making you a less hittable target.